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After Action Report Date of Action: November 7, 2008 VMF-251 formed on NE runway, Midway, at 2305, with nine F4F-3s and launched with task of defendind airfield. Eight F4Fs successfully took off, and formed up in flights: Red Flight Blue Flight 1st Lt. Sidle experienced mechanical difficulties before finally getting into the air along with 2nd Lt. 1Duke1 by 2313, comprising two aircraft of White Flight. Squadron circled to altitude and deployed. Wyatt, MEF4UD and Sidle with wingmen climbed to 30,000ft and circled Midway Island at close range. aJoust and Gwardyak deployed to SW corner of radar coverage, with Bodie and Lane in NW, at altitude of about 25,000ft. Strike package outbound from USS Enterprise sighted enemy dive bombers approaching Midway from NW, so VMF-251 reoriented to intercept. Initial contact made by sections led by Bodie and MEF4UD at about 2330, before entire squadron engaged. Blue and White flights engaged low bandits upon sighting. Red followed in when additional enemy aircraft sighted about 25k. Wyatt pulled out to pursue higher group. MEF4UD claimed two D3As in short order at 2335. Wyatt shot down D3A and 2336, and Hammer claimed two at 2337. MEF4UD crashed at 2337. In furious dogfight at low altitude Wyatt downed two D3As at 2338. 1Duke1 added one at 2339. Wyatt claimed another at 2340 and Hammer, 1Duke1, Gwardyak and Bodie each shot down D3As at 2341. Roche and Bodie crashed 2341, aJoust made emergency landing under fire at Midway. Sidle, Hammer and Wyatt claimed additional victories at 2342. Lane ditched at 2343. Wyatt shot down D3A at 2344. Drazz crashed at 2345, and 1Duke1 lost in collision. Hammer shot down two at 2346. Midway island in flames after strikes by additional D3As, with some thirty of the enemy overhead. Gwardyak ditched at 2353. Wyatt and Hammerr withdrew northeast under pressure. Wyatt out of ammunition and damaged, Hammerr with damage and low on ammunition. With island covered by enemy egressed towards Enterprise after ascertaining carrier was clear. After long flight and low on fuel, Hammer touched down at 0008 to rearm. Wyatt landed just before 0009, but while awaiting rearm four B5Ns appeared over task group and struck the carrier with bombs. Wyatt's aircraft destroyed on deck. Hammer continued to patrol over Enterprise task group before recovering at 0022.
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